Carlton, MN vs Crosslake, MN

The cost of living difference between Carlton, MN and Crosslake, MN is dramatic. Carlton is 32.6% cheaper than Crosslake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carlton has a cost index of 75 while Crosslake sits at 111, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlton is $914/month compared to $1,105/month in Crosslake — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carlton is more affordable at $205,300 median vs $540,200.

Median household income in Carlton is $61,944 compared to $85,000 in Crosslake (-27.1%). The higher salaries in Crosslake partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlton spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.6% in Crosslake.